Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: Objectives, Eligibility and How to Apply Online & Offline

As you are all well aware—whether due to unseasonal rainfall or hailstorms—the farmers of our country face countless challenges on a daily basis. At times, rain destroys their crops, while at others, drought breaks their backs. Consequently, farmers often find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of debt. To assist the nation’s food providers during such times of distress, the Central Government has launched various welfare schemes. One such initiative is the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

Under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers can insure their crops to ensure they receive financial assistance in the event of a natural calamity. What exactly is the PM Fasal Bima Yojana? How much does it cost to avail of it? And how much subsidy does the government provide? In this article, let us explore everything there is to know about this scheme.

What is the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana?

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was launched on February 18, 2016, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This scheme was introduced to replace the previously existing National Agricultural Insurance Scheme. The objective of this scheme is to provide insurance coverage to farmers against crop losses at a very low premium. This scheme proves to be extremely beneficial for farmers in situations where crops suffer damage due to natural calamities, pest infestations, or other causes.

Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

To provide financial assistance to farmers in the event of crop loss
To strive to stabilize farmers’ income
To encourage farmers to remain engaged in the agricultural sector
To motivate farmers to adopt new technologies

Eligibility for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

All farmers across the country are eligible to obtain insurance coverage under this scheme.
The farmer must be cultivating a crop that is officially recognized under the scheme.
The farmer must possess land ownership documents; alternatively, if the land is leased, the relevant lease documents must be available.
The farmer is required to obtain insurance coverage within the stipulated timeframe—typically within two weeks of the commencement of the farming season.
The farmer must not be receiving compensation for the same crop under any other government scheme.

Required Documents of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

Passport-sized photograph
Bank Passbook
Land Record Proof (RoR/LPC or valid agreement)
Proof of Identity (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID/NREGA Job Card)
Proof of Address (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID/Electricity Bill)
Crop Declaration Form (indicating the crops sown or intended to be sown)

How to Online Apply for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

First, visit the official website: pmfby.gov.in.
On the homepage, click on “Farmer Corner.” In the pop-up window, select “Guest Farmer.”
Fill in your personal details and bank account information in the registration form. Enter the Captcha code and click on “Create User.”
After registration, navigate back to “Farmer Corner” and click on “Apply for Crop Insurance Yourself.” Then, proceed to “Login for Farmer.”
Enter your mobile number, fill in the Captcha, request an OTP, and submit. The farmer application form will then open.
Fill in all the necessary information and upload the required documents in the application form. Preview your application before submitting. Then, click on “Submit.”
In the pop-up window, choose either “Pay Later” or “Make Payment.” You may choose to make the payment later or immediately.
After completing the payment, you can download or print the receipt.

How to Offline Apply for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

Farmers may obtain the application form directly from the banks or insurance companies offering the coverage.
Submit the form along with all the necessary documents and make sure to note down your Application ID.
Farmers can also fill out the form with the assistance of a Common Service Center (CSC).
You simply need to inform your VLE (Village Level Entrepreneur), who will then fill out the form on your behalf.

How to Check the Application Status of the PM Fasal Bima Yojana

First, you must visit the official website of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
Subsequently, the homepage will open.
Click on the ‘Application Status’ option located there.

Upon clicking, the next page will load.
On that page, enter your Receipt Number and the Captcha Code.

After that, click on the ‘Check Status’ option.
The status of your application form will then be displayed before you.

Process to View the Beneficiary List for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

First, you need to visit the official website of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
Subsequently, the homepage will open. On the homepage, click on the link for the beneficiary list.
A new page will then open; on this page, select your state.
Next, you must select your district.
Then, select your block and click on the ‘Submit’ button.
The list of beneficiaries will then appear before you, and you will be able to easily locate your name within this list.

FAQs

Is it mandatory for farmers to obtain crop insurance?

Prior to 2020, enrollment was mandatory for farmers who had availed themselves of loans. However, since 2020, it has been made voluntary for all farmers.

Which crops are covered under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana?

Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, food grains, oilseeds, and commercial/horticultural crops are covered. Insurance coverage is provided only for those crops that are officially approved by the government.

Is the crop insurance premium the same for all farmers?

Yes, the insurance premium rates are uniform for all farmers. The rates are 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial or horticultural crops.

Do farmers in Himachal Pradesh have to pay a premium to insure their apple crops?

No, farmers in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and the Northeastern states are not required to pay any premium to obtain crop insurance.